2011 CAL Scholarship Winner

Stu Basham

Out of the mountain town of Bend, Oregon comes a solo artist whose music can be viewed as an authentic expression of the environments we live in. Stu Basham writes music to articulate the raw emotions of life that sometimes go unnoticed or are indescribable. His lyrical style is influenced by people ranging from artists to poets to composers and his lyrics themselves are his feelings of the world and time he’s been placed in. While communicating his views about his experiences he still retains a connection with the audience that compliments the sophisticated rhythms and syncopation his music possesses. With influences ranging from the Dave Matthews Band to Alicia Keys, Stu’s music finds a way of combining the eloquence of soulful jazz with the exciting improvisations involved with jam bands. His defining voice gives the music a particular edge to it that helps the listener relate to the songs’ circumstances and understand the message he is trying to get across.

Stu has also appeared as a multi-instrumentalist on several national advertising campaigns. His keyboard skills are in high demand and he works extensively as a hired session keyboardist. He also tours and performs with Colorado based Jonny Duran Band, as their featured keyboardist.

Recently, Stu worked as the producer on his first album the Stu Basham EP where he incorporated his talents of drumming and guitar playing on top of his distinguishable rhythmic piano playing and melodic singing. He moved to Denver, Colorado in January 2009 to enter into a new market of music that identifies with the alternative style of music he creates. He loves being in Colorado but wishes that his hands would stop looking like a lizard’s because of the dry climate. – Joy Lawrence